Air fryer cooking guide
Air Fryer Salmon
How long to cook salmon in an air fryer — times by fillet thickness, the perfect temperature, and how to get flaky fish with crisp edges in under 12 minutes.
200°C / 392°F
7–12 min
63°C / 145°F
How long to cook salmon in an air fryer?
Air fry salmon fillets at 200°C (390°F) for 7–12 minutes, no flipping needed. A standard 180 g (6 oz) fillet takes about 8–10 minutes. Cook to 63°C (145°F) for fully done, or 52–55°C for a medium, restaurant-style centre.
Air fryer salmon is one of the fastest, most forgiving dinners going: the circulating heat firms up the surface while the inside stays silky and flaky. No flipping, no fish-smell-filled kitchen — just dinner in about ten minutes.
Cook-time calculator
Enter the weight of your salmon for an estimated air fryer time.
Estimated time
10–12min
Rule of thumb: about 5 min per 100 g at 200°C, cooked to 63°C internal. Estimate only — check doneness before serving.
Time & temperature chart
| Size / cut | Temp | Time | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thin fillet (150 g · 5 oz) | 200°C | 7–8 min | Skin-side down |
| Standard fillet (180 g · 6 oz) | 200°C | 8–10 min | No flip needed |
| Thick / centre cut (220 g · 8 oz) | 200°C | 10–12 min | Check at 10 min |
| From frozen (180 g · 6 oz) | 200°C | 12–15 min | Pat dry once thawed |
Times are a guide — air fryers vary by 10–20%. Always cook to the safe internal temperature, not just the timer.
How to air fry salmon
- 1
Pat the salmon dry and lightly brush with oil to stop it sticking and to crisp the surface.
- 2
Season with salt, pepper and any glaze or herbs you like.
- 3
Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (390°F) for 3 minutes.
- 4
Place fillets skin-side down in a single layer — no need to flip salmon.
- 5
Air fry until the salmon flakes easily and reaches your target internal temperature.
- 6
Rest for 2–3 minutes; carry-over heat finishes it gently.
Pro tips
- Take salmon out of the fridge 15 minutes before cooking for even results.
- Go by thickness, not weight — a thick, narrow fillet needs longer than a thin, wide one.
- Line the basket with a perforated parchment round for fragile fillets and easy cleanup.
- Brush a honey or teriyaki glaze on in the last 2 minutes so it caramelises without burning.
Frequently asked questions
What temperature do you cook salmon in an air fryer?
200°C (390°F) gives crisp edges and a tender centre. Lower temperatures steam the fish rather than searing it.
Do you flip salmon in the air fryer?
No — salmon is delicate and cooks through from the circulating heat. Leaving it skin-side down keeps the fillet intact and the top beautifully glazed.
How do you know when air fryer salmon is done?
It flakes easily with a fork and turns opaque. For accuracy, aim for 63°C (145°F) for fully cooked, or 52–55°C for a medium centre.
Can you cook frozen salmon in the air fryer?
Yes. Cook at 200°C (390°F) for 12–15 minutes. Add seasoning partway through once the surface has thawed enough for it to stick.
Salmon recipes to try
SeafoodHoney Garlic Air Fryer Salmon
Flaky salmon with a sticky honey-garlic glaze, ready in 12 minutes. A weeknight dinner that tastes like a treat.
SeafoodAir Fryer Cajun Shrimp Tacos with Lime Slaw
Smoky Cajun shrimp, crisp lime slaw, warm tortillas, and a creamy spicy drizzle make these air fryer tacos fast, fresh, and full of flavour.
SeafoodSticky Sesame Teriyaki Air Fryer Salmon Bites
Bite-size salmon cubes cook fast with caramelised edges, then get tossed in a glossy garlic-ginger teriyaki glaze for easy rice bowls.
SeafoodCrispy Air Fryer Cajun Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Tender salmon cubes get crisp Cajun-spiced edges in the air fryer, then a creamy sweet-spicy bang bang drizzle for bowls, tacos or appetisers.